Political Science

Political science degrees aren’t just for aspiring politicians. These versatile degrees can help graduates gain jobs in a number of exciting and fast-paced fields, some of which have seemingly little to do with politics. Students who are interested in studying governments, political processes, public policies, international relations, and political behavior are ideal candidates for political science degrees. Fortunately, there are numerous programs – both online and off – to help students realize their goal of attaining a degree in political science. The majority of political science degrees take between two and six years to complete.

University Degree Offerings

Norwich University’s Master of Arts in Diplomacy program is a professional program that prepares students for a future in foreign affairs, journalism, or business. Our coursework combines a traditional approach to the study of international relations with practical training in the mechanics of contemporary diplomacy and international negotiations in an online learning environment.

Norwich University Master of Arts in Diplomacy

The George Washington University Master’s of Professional Studies in Political Management

The George Washington University Masters of Professional Studies in Political Management program offers innovative experiential learning opportunities for professionals involved in all aspects of politics and public policy, from lobbying and advocacy to international politics, campaigns and public relations. Our dynamic graduate program and distinguished faculty prepares students to succeed in the growing profession of politics – whether working on the local, national or international level.

The George Washington University Master’s of Professional Studies in Political Management

Political Science

Political science degrees are available in several different degree levels, the most common being two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelors degrees, and masters degrees, which require an additional one to two years of study. While an associate degree is ideal for students who do not anticipate the need for a four-year degree, many political science degree jobs prefer prospective employees to have a bachelors degree or higher. In fact, students who are interested in eventually teaching at the college or university level may be required to have a doctorate degree, also known as a PhD, which requires an additional three to five years of study. Having a career goal in mind will help students select the degree level that they need to get the political science degree jobs they desire.

Why a Political Science Degree

Political science degrees are beneficial even for students who have no intention of going into a career in politics after graduation. This is because political science majors gain many incredibly valuable and versatile skills, including excellent communication abilities, analytical talents, and administrative expertise. These skills can result in lucrative careers with a political science degree. According to a Georgetown University study released in May 2011, political science majors with a bachelors degree earn a median income of $55,000, while political science majors with a masters or doctorate degree earn a median income of $85,000.

Political Science Courses & Areas of Study

Once students meet the core requirements, they can begin focusing on classes specific to their political science major. These classes usually include political theory, public policy, American government and politics, and comparative politics, as well as classes that discuss how race, ethnicity, identity, and gender factor into politics. Some traditional and online political science degree programs even allow students to work on classes specific to their major while completing various core requirements.

Political Science Career Opportunities

Graduates can use a degree in political science to gain a job in a wide range of fields. Examples of possible careers with a political science degree include government, law, public administration, international relations, political analysis, education, business, and journalism. There are many other available jobs with a political science degree, including career counselor, city manager, intelligence officer, journalist, lobbyist, mediator, and political campaign advisor. The American Political Science Association, the leading political science professional organization in the U.S., has published several pamphlets and brochures discussing the many possible jobs with a political science degree. There are numerous political science degree jobs available and waiting for qualified candidates.

Online Political Science Degrees

While some students may desperately crave the college experience associated with gaining a traditional political science degree at a physical college or university, there’s no good reason to automatically rule out the possibility of getting a political science degree online. Online political science degree programs offer a number of benefits, including increased schedule flexibility for students who are working their way through school. Also, jobs with a political science degree are no less available for students who received their degree online. Getting a political science degree online allows students to set their own schedule and work at their own pace. Online political science degree programs may even be less expensive than their traditional counterparts.

Political Science Education & Admissions Requirements

Most traditional and online political science degree programs require students to satisfy certain core requirements to obtain a bachelors degree. Core requirement subjects typically include math, reading, English literature, and grammar and composition.

Political Science Accreditation

Your Political Science degree should come from an accredited school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, better than 1,000 institutions of higher learning offer formal paralegal courses yet only around 270 of the programs are accepted and approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Make sure you choose an accredited program.

Top Ranked Political Science Degrees

University ranking also plays a big role in the quality of your degree program and its effectiveness in helping you establish your career. Obtaining a Political Science degree from an institution that has a high educational standing adds greater credibility to your degree. To get the most from your educational investment, make sure you choose a school with qualified faculty and adequate resources for your field.

Political Science Professional Organizations

Whether students are considering obtaining a traditional degree in political science or getting a political science degree online, the many political science degree professional organizations can serve as valuable resources. Although there are many political science professional organizations all over the world, some of the most prestigious are found in the U.S. Students can contact these organizations for guidance when selecting a traditional or political science degree online program. Professional organizations may also be able to provide guidance and assistance to graduates looking for jobs with a political science degree.

Find Your Real Degree

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